Great Scott Tree Service in Norfolk

Great Scott Tree Service

(757) 588-9278 greatscottva.com

1122 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Equipment and Capabilities: Bucket Truck, Stump Grinder

Emergency and Storm: 24 Hour Emergency Response, Quick Response

Tree Services: Large Trees, Works Near Structures, Dead Tree Experience

Specialty Expertise: Works Near Power Lines, Conifer Specialist

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, Family Owned, Insured

Customer Experience: Affordable, Cleanup Included

We offer over 30 years' experience in tree maintenance and removal in the Tidewater, Virginia area.

4.7 from 104 reviews

5 stars
94
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 stars
5

Pros

  • Great Scott Tree Service consistently delivers professional, prompt, and thorough work.
  • They clean up thoroughly, leaving yards neater than before.
  • The team is courteous, safe, and highly skilled at removing large trees and grinding stumps.
  • They offer fair pricing and excellent value.
  • They respond quickly with clear estimates and reliable scheduling.
  • The work is completed efficiently, often in a single day, with meticulous workmanship.
  • The family-owned company earns high recommendations and repeat business.
  • Customers praise their communication, follow-up, and respectful treatment of property.
  • They handle difficult pruning and hazardous removals with minimal disruption to surroundings.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 9% of total ratings

  • They were not trustworthy; they underbid the project and most likely canceled the proposal before signing.
  • The reviewer claimed the manager had an attitude problem and that their prices were higher than local competitors.
  • They started the job but had not returned to complete it after a month.

Review Overview

Great Scott Tree Service in Norfolk, Virginia, is best suited for residential properties with substantial, high-risk, or tightly spaced tree work. The company shines on difficult jobs: multiple large trees, leaning or hazard trees near structures or power lines, and sites where stump grinding, canopy lifting, or extensive pruning is required. Budget-conscious homeowners and property managers will find their pricing consistently competitive, often beating multiple quotes without sacrificing quality. Urgency is well accommodated: same-day estimates and rapid mobilization are common, and crews routinely complete dangerous removals and aggressive pruning in short windows. For larger homes, rental properties, or church grounds that demand a reliable, capable crew who can manage a complex scope with minimal disruption, Great Scott stands out as the prudent choice.

Safety and cleanup are not optional extras with Great Scott; they are core performance metrics. The reviews repeatedly emphasize a safety-first approach, with crews using the right equipment, up to and including tall lifts, to keep rigging precise and to avoid collateral damage to fences, outbuildings, or landscaping. The team is described as careful and professional in difficult situations, such as removing trees that overhang roofs or lines, and then leaving the site cleaner than when they arrived. In almost every job, cleanup is spotless: branches hauled away, stumps ground, leaves and debris raked, and the yard returned to a near-pristine condition. That meticulous aftercare is not an afterthought but a defining habit of the operation, a key reason customers repeatedly re-hire for subsequent projects.

Value is the backbone of most Great Scott engagements, but it is earned rather than promised. Customers consistently report fair, competitive pricing, often cited as a major reason for choosing them over other local outfits. Several reviews flag that they beat the prices of bigger competitors, sometimes by dramatic margins, while delivering comparable or superior workmanship. A few cautionary notes exist: one review warns about underbidding and the potential for scope creep, underscoring the importance of putting the job description in writing and clarifying inclusions (stumps, grind depth, debris removal, and protection of hardscape). In practice, the company’s quoted prices are viewed as honest and transparent, with many clients appreciating that there are few hidden fees and that the final bill aligns with the initial estimate when the scope is clear.

Reliability and communication are generally strong, but a measured caution helps keep expectations aligned. The vast majority of reviews praise prompt responses, on-time arrivals, and efficient execution. Customers describe teams as “a well-oiled machine,” able to mobilize quickly, schedule promptly, and complete large removals in short timeframes with minimal disruption to neighbors. A minority of comments highlight occasional scheduling hiccups or slower follow-through in certain situations, particularly in transition periods between owners. This dynamic does not defeat the overall reliability, but it does underscore the importance of confirming dates, getting everything in writing, and maintaining open lines of communication through the project timeline.

The depth of skill and equipment is where Great Scott earns real credibility. The company consistently demonstrates competence with formidable canopy work: oak and magnolia removals, large pine take-downs, and trimming in difficult-to-reach spots. Reviews describe crews using aerial lifts, careful rigging to prevent property damage, and practical problem-solving for jobs that others would decline or postpone. Ground work is equally thorough: stump grinding, root and brush clearing, even grading the work site to restore a neat yard appearance. The personnel culture, professional, courteous, and safety-conscious, permeates every job, with customers noting respectful treatment of property and neighborly behavior. The operation even handles special concerns, such as pruning around power lines or removing hazardous limbs with minimal landscape impact, and occasional wildlife considerations are addressed with care.

In the end, the decision to hire Great Scott Tree Service should hinge on the job’s scale, risk, and timing. For large, high-risk removals near structures or utilities, or for properties requiring rapid, decisive action with a clean finish, this is a dependable choice. For clients prioritizing a tight budget and flexible schedule, the strong value proposition remains compelling, provided the project scope is captured in a written contract and the team’s availability is confirmed well ahead of time. If wildlife considerations or delicate landscaping are present, vetting the crew’s approach and requesting a site-specific plan can prevent missteps and ensure alignment with local regulations or nesting seasons. Overall, Great Scott Tree Service is the practical, confident recommendation for serious tree work in Hampton Roads, delivering safety-forward execution, thorough cleanup, and value-driven results that keep properties safer and looking better long after the job is done.

Equipment and Capabilities

Bucket Truck

Uses an aerial bucket truck for safe, efficient access to tall or hard-to-reach branches. Faster and more stable than climbing for many jobs.

Bucket truck access lets Great Scott Tree Service reach towering canopies in Norfolk and the Hampton Roads Tidewater area, enabling precise pruning and removal over homes, fences, and even near power lines. They commonly deploy a lift for high-limb work, ground-out stumps, and canopy raising, often working efficiently for hours while keeping the yard intact and delivering thorough cleanup. In tight backyards where a bucket lift won’t fit, they adapt by climbing the tree to remove branches, demonstrating versatile approaches to challenging spaces. Across more than 30 years serving Tidewater, this lift-driven capability supports fast, professional service in the Norfolk area, with fair pricing and careful, safety-conscious operations.

Stump Grinder

Equipped with stump grinding machinery to eliminate leftover stumps after removal. Leaves your yard clean and ready for replanting or landscaping.

Stump grinding is a core part of their offering, with customers consistently noting thorough stump removal after large-tree work. They grind the stumps and then grade the final work area, leaving the site neat and ready for landscaping. Work is described as fast and efficient, often wrapping stump grinding into the same job as tree removal with strong cleanup afterward. Cleanup is consistently praised, and in several cases they even provide mulch or wood remnants for later use, demonstrating a complete, customer-focused approach to stump and site restoration.

Emergency and Storm

24 Hour Emergency Response

Available around the clock for dangerous situations - a tree on your roof, a limb blocking your driveway, or a trunk threatening to fall. Day or night.

Emergency capabilities are demonstrated by rapid mobilization and same-day response to hazardous tree issues. Customers recount swift action when limbs fell on power lines or a dead tree threatened a home, with crews arriving promptly and using the right equipment to mitigate risk. The service includes safe removal near structures and power lines, completed quickly and with careful cleanup. In the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area, including Norfolk, residents repeatedly highlight responsive communication, on-site efficiency, and fair pricing during urgent jobs. Overall, the pattern shows a dependable, family-owned team ready to tackle emergencies with safety as a priority.

Quick Response

Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.

Rapid mobilization is a hallmark of Great Scott Tree Service, with many customers reporting same-day estimates and even same-day service for urgent tree issues in Norfolk and the broader Tidewater area. They respond swiftly to emergencies, including limbs down on power lines, and consistently provide prompt, fair quotes and rapid scheduling. Crews arrive on time and bring the right equipment, such as lifts, enabling safe work near structures and tall trees while minimizing yard disturbance. Cleanup is thorough and meticulous, with customers noting yards are left neater than before and the team is courteous and careful throughout.

Tree Services

Large Trees

Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.

They routinely remove 80-foot-plus trees and even a 90-foot specimen in a single day, handling massive oaks and pines that threaten homes or yards. In tight spaces near structures, fences, or power lines, they perform careful rigging and trimming to keep houses and landscaping intact. A bucket lift and a well-coordinated crew enable fast, safe work, with many jobs completed in a day and cleanup that leaves the property looking as tidy or tidier than before. Serving the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area for over 30 years, they routinely grind stumps, haul away debris, provide prompt quotes and dependable scheduling, and sometimes leave mulch or usable wood for clients.

Works Near Structures

Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.

Near-structure work is a core strength, with frequent projects removing large trees that overhang homes, trimming branches over roofs, and safely removing leaning trees tangled with light poles. Customers consistently mention careful planning and property protection, including avoiding damage to fencing and landscaping and using a bucket lift to work without creating yard ruts. They handle urgent situations near power lines with speed and efficiency, often offering same-day quotes and rapid deployment to mitigate risk. In the Hampton Roads/Norfolk area, the feedback highlights safety, meticulous cleanup, and fair pricing, with crews leaving yards looking better than before after near-structure work.

Dead Tree Experience

Specialists in the safe removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. Dead trees are unpredictable - experience and caution matter.

They handle dead trees with urgency and precision, quickly assessing and removing dead or dying trees that threaten homes. Customers repeatedly note safe, efficient work removing tall dead pines and oaks in tight spaces and near structures, often with rigging that protects the house and nearby power lines. Cleanup is thorough, with stump grinding, debris removal, and yards returned to a neat condition, sometimes including mulch or leaves left for use. They also manage urgent situations, offering quick quotes and even same-day service for limb falls on power lines or other emergencies, all at fair, transparent pricing.

Specialty Expertise

Works Near Power Lines

Trained and equipped to work near energized power lines. This specialized work requires specific qualifications - not every company should attempt it.

They demonstrate strong capability around power lines, including a same-day response to a tree limb that fell on a power line and quick, efficient removal at a very reasonable price. They routinely trim and remove heavy limbs near lines, ensuring trees are kept clear without compromising nearby infrastructure. They use elevated equipment, including a bucket lift, to reach tall branches, delivering fast work with minimal yard disruption and thorough cleanup. Across jobs, customers repeatedly note a professional, safety-focused, and communicative approach when working near power lines.

Conifer Specialist

Deep knowledge of pines, firs, spruces, cedars, and other conifers - including their growth habits, diseases, and the timing of proper trimming.

Conifer-focused work is a core strength, with crews regularly removing large pines and other tall evergreens that threaten houses or power lines in Norfolk and the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area. Customers consistently cite prompt, safe service, precise removals, stump grinding, and thorough cleanup, often delivered with the right equipment such as bucket lifts that keep yards intact. They routinely perform canopy management on tall conifers, trimming heavy limbs over roofs and utilities without damage, and they sometimes leave mulch or salvaged wood for later use. The experience is reinforced by a long-standing family-owned business, full insurance, transparent, fair pricing, and a reputation for dependable, courteous crews who keep job sites clean.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.

With more than 30 years serving the Tidewater area, the company demonstrates a long-established capability to handle tree maintenance and removal in demanding settings. Customer feedback patterns show a consistently responsive, professional team arriving on time, providing clear estimates, and moving quickly to remove or prune large trees near structures or power lines. The work includes thorough cleanup and stump grinding, often leaving yards neater than before and debris-free. As a family-owned, fully insured operation, they earn repeat business and referrals through fair pricing, reliable communication, and careful, safety-first practice. Their capabilities span high-stakes removals—from 80-foot-plus trees to securing canopies, trimming around power lines, and grinding stumps—delivered with care for property and neighbors.

Family Owned

A business built and run by family, often passed down or grown from the ground up. Personal accountability and pride in every job.

As a family-owned operation serving the Tidewater and Hampton Roads area, Great Scott Tree Service brings a personal, caretaker approach to tree maintenance and removal. The leadership and family members—often including Scott and his dad or other relatives—are actively involved from the first quote to the final cleanup, underscoring a consistent, hands-on standard of service. Customers repeatedly note prompt communication, fair pricing, and dependable scheduling, with same-day estimates and on-time arrivals common across jobs. They also highlight careful work around structures and power lines, minimal or no damage to property, and cleanup that leaves yards tidier than before. The pattern of repeat work and referrals speaks to a trusted, family-driven ethos that treats customers like neighbors and delivers professional, courteous service each time.

Insured

Carries proper liability and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property, you're protected.

Their insured capability is evidenced by a safety‑first, property‑protective approach described across many jobs—from near structures and power lines to emergency limb removal—where crews prioritize safeguarding homes and yards during removal or trimming. Customers consistently note timely arrivals, careful rigging with the right equipment, and meticulous cleanup, all while operating in a way that aligns with a responsible, insured service in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area. One reviewer explicitly states they are fully insured, reinforcing trust in handling high‑risk work close to homes and infrastructure. Taken together, feedback patterns show a capable, insured team that can execute complex, large‑scale tree work in Tidewater with safety and accountability at the forefront.

Customer Experience

Affordable

Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.

Affordable pricing is a hallmark of Great Scott Tree Service in Norfolk, Virginia, with customers consistently noting fair rates for removal, stump grinding, and pruning across the Tidewater area. Feedback patterns show quotes that are often far below competing bids—some clients report paying about half or less than other firms—without compromising safety or quality. Coupled with fast, responsive service and thorough cleanup, this cost-effectiveness makes them a reliable option for large or hazardous jobs near homes, fences, and power lines. As a long-established, family-owned business serving Norfolk and surrounding areas, they combine insured, professional work with affordable pricing across projects of all sizes.